Cross-Reporting Among Agencies That Respond to Child Abuse and Neglect - Vermont

Cross-Reporting Between Child Protective Services and Law Enforcement

Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 33, §§ 4915(f)-(g); 4918(a)

The Department for Children and Families may collaborate with child protection, law enforcement, and other departments and agencies in Vermont and other jurisdictions to evaluate risk to a child and to determine the service needs of the child and family. The department may enter into reciprocal agreements with other jurisdictions to further the purposes of this subchapter.

The department shall report to and receive assistance from appropriate law enforcement in the following circumstances:

• Investigations of child sexual abuse by an alleged perpetrator age 10 or older
• Investigations of serious physical abuse or neglect requiring emergency medical care, resulting in death, or likely to result in criminal charges
• Situations potentially dangerous to the child or department worker
• An incident in which a child suffers either of the following:
  • Serious bodily injury, as defined in title 13, § 1021, by other than accidental means
  • Potential violations of any of the following:
    • Lewd or lascivious conduct with child (title 13, § 2602)
    • Human trafficking (title 13, chapter 60)
    • Sexual exploitation of children (title 13, chapter 64)
    • Sexual assault (title 13, chapter 72)

Multidisciplinary teams shall assist local district offices of the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services in identifying and treating child abuse and neglect cases. With respect to any case referred to it, the team shall assist the district office by providing the following support:

• Case diagnosis or identification
• A comprehensive treatment plan
• Coordination of services pursuant to the treatment plan

Other Reporting Requirements

This issue is not addressed in the statutes and regulations reviewed.